While most drivers on the CitizenShipper website transport pets by car, a rising number of flight crew personnel and regular fliers are bidding on long-distance pet delivery jobs. As they like to call themselves, these Air Nannies are making good money by flying pets to their destinations.
If an opportunity to earn an extra $12,000 per month sounds too good to be true, you haven’t heard about how lucrative puppy nanny jobs can be. If you enjoy flying and spending time with animals, read on to learn about our community of Air Nannies.
What is it that Air Nannies actually do?
Every day, thousands of people welcome a new member of their family – often a puppy or a kitten. But breeders can be separated from buyers by hundreds or thousands of miles. So they need reliable transporters able to fly the pet out to their new home quickly and safely.
As an Air Nanny, your job is to meet the breeder at an airport and take charge of the pet they’re looking to transport. You fly the furball over, right next to you in the cabin. The new owners welcome you at the Arrivals terminal, and you make the delivery. Simple enough, right?
But keep in mind that becoming a flight nanny for pets isn’t just a tremendous source of supplemental income. It’s also a huge responsibility, best handled by genuine animal lovers. Each animal you fly over is someone’s precious pet, a living thing with its own needs and wants.
Working as a flight nanny is unlike any other job in transport – it’s not about moving crates. Instead, it’s about providing safety, speed, reliability, connecting to the animals and their owners on a human level. And that, of course, is why it pays so well!
Airline fees vs. Air Nanny fees
When it comes to families buying pets from faraway breeders, money is rarely the primary concern. All they want is their new family member delivered to them safe and sound. That’s why many are paying $350 for short pet nanny flights or $1,300 for longer ones.
These fees vary, of course. An established puppy nanny delivery service can charge a lot more than someone who’s just starting. But the thing is, successful Air Nannies have ways of keeping expenses low! Some airlines offer special discounts to frequent fliers. Some waive pet shipping fees for flight attendants and other staff. If you can work out a deal that minimizes the cost, you’ll yield tremendous benefits in the long run.
Some flight nannies are employed by the puppy breeders, while others work independently. Either way, there’s a lot of money to be made. If you don’t cut in too many third parties, you get to keep a larger portion of it. And we know that staying independent is often difficult for a new puppy nanny service, but there are ways to pull it off.
Air Nannies and CitizenShipper
By now, you’re probably curious about starting your own puppy flight nanny service. You might be wondering where those well-paying customers come in? Well, if you’re not hired by a breeder who’s already got them lined up, you’ll have to find customers yourself. The easiest way to do it is by browsing through an online marketplace.
At CitizenShipper, for example, new pet transportation jobs are posted daily. You get to pick the ones you’re interested in, and the hours you work. This way, you can hold down your regular job while picking up extra work as an Air Nanny.
Cats and dogs are prevalent on our platform – the demand keeps growing. While most customers are looking for ground-based transportation since air travel is costly, it’s up to you to change that.
Bidding on long-distance pet shipments, you can get in touch with potential customers and explain how things stand. Let them know that flying is faster and less stressful for animals. Tell them about the great deal that you can offer. Tell them how much you enjoy flying with and taking care of animals.
Signing up as an Air Nanny is simple and free of charge. So if you think that a puppy nanny transport job might be right for you, give it a shot. In a matter of minutes, you’ll be bidding on shipments and chatting with customers.
FAQ: shipper responsibilities
We get a lot of questions about puppy nanny shipping services. So here are some of the answers we provide and a few things you should make sure your customer understands.
- Pets flying on planes must be able to qualify as carry-on luggage. Most Air Nannies transport cats, young puppies, or small dogs (15-20 lbs).
- By law, puppies must be at least 8 weeks old to fly. However, some airlines have increased this age requirement to 16 weeks.
- Each animal must have a certificate of health issued by a licensed veterinarian. Also, all vaccination certificates must be up to date.
- As per airline regulations, pet documentation might also be required.
- Pet food must be supplied by the owner for the duration of the trip.
- Pet bedding and potty pads must be provided, although carrier crates are typically the flight nanny’s responsibility.
- The pet must be socialized and leash-trained to a reasonable degree.
- If an Air Nanny needs to fly over multiple pets, asking a friend or family member to tag along is common practice.
- The Air Nanny and the customer negotiate the cost of transport in advance. It’s typically based on the distance traveled, which is to say the number of hours flown. It often includes airfares and cabin fees, though different arrangements are sometimes made.
Finally, here’s a quote from one Air Nanny using the CitizenShipper platform. To all those looking to make supplemental income as a flight nanny, she advises the following:
“Be prepared with toys, small amounts of food and water, calming treats or sprays, and a positive attitude. Not all dogs or cats are familiar with air travel, so you have to have patience and be able to relax them if they are feeling uneasy.”
Interested in becoming an Air Nanny?
If you love flying and taking care of animals, give pet nanny shipping a try. Sign up as a transporter today, and take advantage of all that the CitizenShipper marketplace has to offer.
We have articles that take you through the platform step by step, explaining how to create a profile and market your puppy flight nanny service. Learn from shared experiences in our community of per transporters. And if you ever run into trouble, help is just a click away!
Last updated at December 27, 2021
All transports are covered under our
This sounds perfect for me as i love animals and to fly!
Great! We’d love to have you sign up. You can sign up today directly from our homepage. We’re happy to give you a call if you like and walk you though how to get started.
I’m looking to ship my Daughter her ESA she fell in LOVE with. Honestly, this sounds like the PERFECT career choice for her. She is young, 20 years old, and she absolutely adores animals. She doesn’t mind flying either. I would love to connect her with flight nannies!
Hi Nicole, I’ve included a link for new drivers’ sign up. You and your daughter can explore more about whether this is a good opportunity for her. We look forward to seeing her on our site. Please check this out:Getting Started As A Pet Transporter
This is my dream job! I love fur babies and I love to travel! How do I apply??
Hi Barb,
Please visit https://citizenshipper.com/register to sign up! We don’t charge any commission fees on your quotes!
If you want to know more about how our marketplace works, we suggest you sign up and complete our new driver’s guide – https://citizenshipper.teachable.com/p/the-new-driver-s-guide-to-citizenshipper
And let us know if you have any additional questions. Good luck and happy shipping!
Interested.
Interested
To fly a pet for profit on your airline work passes is grounds for dismissal….go to your local shelter and adopt a pet. Shame on breeders for even doing this…will alert my airline to watch out for this activity
What if the animal shelter does not have the dog I want ?Are you the self proclaimed law that tells me I can’t get a dog?
There’s seriously something wrong with you! The website clearly explains how its done and BEEN GETTING DONE but yew you one single individual man calling a billion dollar company telling them to cut thwir profits is going to make them change the laws just for your peace of mind? Stfu with your holier than thou outlook on life!
Oh the drama of it all …… People have the right to choose Im not responsible for the dogs at shelters My dogs dont roam the streets and make unhealthy unwanted puppies All my dogs are accounted for and I have a welcome home policy …… Must be nice to your lil munchauseny fingers and shake them at people and feel the power, but better to be educated and proactive…… Shame on you for wanting everyone to think like you Put your money where your mouth is and open a 501-c or stuff a sock in your hypocritical mouth ……. Please dont have kids
How are you paid?
Who sets the price per trip for this service
Hi Judy. You set the price.
Hahahahaa you cant be serious…. She asked a serious question This is not a professional or informative answer
Will we be able to chose from rescue pets going to new homes be breeders only?
Very interested and experienced with flying cats. I recently signed up with Citizenshipper. Is this a separate profile?
Interested.
Luv dogs
As a flight attendant I can tell it costs $150 to bring a pet on a flight…I’ve never seen breeders sell pets for much over that shipping price when they can literally ship them cargo and usually do. How long has this “service “ been around and what’s YOUR fee?
We paid 2200 to have our cats brought to us from Turkey. His wife worked for the airline so he flew standby. I also breed and we normally do use cargo as unless we fly them it is more expensive to use a nanny service. I’ve checked a few times.
Youve never seen a breeder sell a dog for much over $150? Lmmfao thats clearly a lie! I dont know a damn breeder that exist that would sell you a dog for 200! And if youre a breeder and you ship cargo and dont use a pet nanny that speaks very highly about how all you care about is profit and not pet safety!
Hi I’m interested in your service. I need a puppy shipped from Seoul to Phoenix. How could I find someone that is interested in this?
Hey this sounds like an awesome opportunity! I LOVE animals and love to fly. How do I get the process going?
Who pays for the air line ticket
Hello I’m very interested in the price from slatersville nc to providence how much would that be?
Hello Harmony, to receive quotes from qualified drivers on our site, please list your shipment here: citizenshipper.com/shipment-form
I have been flying puppies in cabin for 5 years, both domestic and international, South America, Europe, Canada, I am familiar with numerous airlines, airports and custom procedures…
Hello Charles, that’s awesome! We actually have a few “drivers” on our site who fly pets around the USA. If you are looking to a transporter on our site, you can sign up here: citizenshipper.com/new-drivers
Hi, I am very interested to become a pet air nyanni, also ground pets transportation.. please advice me how I have to start.
Thank you,
Best Regard
Yuliya Zauholnova
Hey Yuliy, thanks for reaching out:) You can sign up as a driver on our site here: citizenshipper.com/register
All you need to do is fill out the background check and verify your email and you can start bidding on shipments!
Need more information would like to talk to a person about this .
I’m interested but I need more details information how its working?
Who pays for the airline flight for the flight nanny or is that part of your “flight nanny fee”?
Hey there Vicki, this is usually factored into the Flight Nanny’s bid:)
I have experience working with dogs as an apprentice groomer and had a 1yr internship as a zookeeper. I am very interested in being a flight nanny, but I’m unsure where to start and how to be as professional as possible in transporting fur babies! Please contact me with information on how to get started.
Hey there Samantha, we are glad to have you apart of the team! You can register as a transport here: citizenshipper.com/register
Looking for Pet Flight Travel Nanny Service
From: Los Angeles/ Camarillo, CA
To:
JFK
or La Guardia NY
or
Bradley/ Hartford
1 puppy / pointer
approx. weight in hard cage: 45 lbs
age will be: 10 weeks
time approx. Feb. 7-8
with Vet Cert et..
Please let me know. Thanks. Veronika
Hello Veronika, you can list your shipment to have your furbaby shipped here: citizenshipper.com/shipment-form
How are the plane tickets paid?
Hey there Laura, flight tickets are usually factored into the Flight Nanny’s bid:)
Hello!
How mutch does it Costa to have a pet nanny to Sweden /anne
Hi! My mom and I are looking to start a dog breeding business and I am looking into becoming a flight nanny for our pups! If you have any tips on how I can become one that would be great!
Also, if you can’t reply because of the nature of what I’m asking that is totally fine!
Does the shipper pay the airfare or do you include that price on your bid?
I am looking for someone to fly my border collie puppy 10 weeks old 10 lbs. In cabin to CA Bay Area airports.. in the next 10 days
please contact me
Comint@icoud.com
Hello! I am looking for someone to bring our new dog from LA California to Liberia Costa Rica. Costa Rica’s borders will be open as of Jun 15th… and this date could change… but as soon as we can, we would like for our new little girl to be brought down to us. Can you let me know if there are any individuals who would take this on, and how much will that cost us? Thank You, Nina
I am looking for someone to escort a 8 week old puppy from Georgia to Connecticut in the late summer or fall. Please email me at sahar.hamid13@gmail.com
Hi I am looking for someone to transport a small 11 pound dog from Tilly, Arkansas or possibly Kentucky to Weston, WV.
Please Email me at kaitlynjarrell15@yahoo.com
Hi! We have a 3-pound doggie that needs to travel from Portland, OR, to Monterrey, Mexico. Please contact us.
Thanks.
I tried signing up for the air nanny portion but the website didn’t seem to have any information or other help in regards to getting me started with the process of becoming a flight nanny. Suggestions appreciated as I am very interested.
Looking for someone who can transport a puppy (approx 5 pounds) from Charlottesville, VA to Providence, Boston or Hartford. Please contact me. Thank you.
I’m looking for someone to fly my 8 week golden Retreiver pup from Ohio to San Diego Nov 5 but can be flexible
How do I become a flight nanny
Looking for someone to bring a nine week old, Lhasa also puppies from Portland to Pittsburgh Pa!
I an already a ground transport for pets Do I need to do something different for the flight nannies?
Looking to sign up as I love to fly and lov animals. Do you have to work direclty for a breeder if so that’s fine as well. Have own transportation and located in CA also I have my passport willing to travel out of country and well.
I need a nanny to pick up my puppy in Portland, Maine airort by the breeder. and the nanny will bring my puppy to me in Phoenix Airport arizona. the pupoy will weigh 4 lbs. give me price./ for all the booking of pupoy and nanny. i will meet you at airport in Arizona the owner..
Looking for someone to transport 2 kittens, hopefully Flight Nanny, from
Portsmouth, VA to Jacksonville, FL
Before Feb 2, ASAP!! Willing to pay up to $475 total.
Thank you for your comments! For those interested in receiving a quote from qualified transporters using our marketplace, please visit https://citizenshipper.com/shipments/new, choose your shipment category and then follow the prompts to specify more details on your pet. If you need any additional assistance in the process of making a decision on your preferred transporter, visit https://citizenshipper.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360015998911-The-CitizenShipper-customer-interface. Happy shipping!
I am very interested in becoming a flight nanny. I am retired and love animals. I can’t think of anything better to help fill up my extra time.
Do you have to have airline privileges?
I would like to know if you have experience transporting an old cockatiel on a long domestic coast-to-coast flight (in this case, from Philadelphia to San Diego) ?
He is 27 years old and I would want to speak with someone experienced with birds and as a flight nanny who would be in the cabin with him on the plane. Thanks.
Hi Nan, you would want to put this information in your request on the platform, and make sure you address the situation with the drivers you interview. Make sure they understand how to care for a bird of that age and size and discuss what precautions they will take. When you post your request on CitizenShipper you’ll get offers from various transporters and can choose the one you like best. Just go to the site.
I would love to be a flight Nanny. This would be the happiest job in the world.
Hi Amy,
You can sign up on the website to become a Flight Nanny. After you create your profile look for pet owners in your area that have shipping needs and you can bid on those jobs at a price you set. Check out our page for new drivers (most of the people on our site transporting things are doing so via car, but like this article indicates there are also customers that need Air Nanny’s) to get all the details.
A phone number would be nice Not flying my dog w a company I cant even call
Can I bring my own small dog with me?
Hi Cheri,
Airlines set a limit of one carry-on pet per person because they have to fit under your seat. If you’re transporting a dog that will fly in the cargo area of the plane, then yes you probably can take your own small dog with you as long as they meet the airline’s requirements. Right now only Alaskan, Hawaiian and American allow pets in the cabin.
How would you become a flight nanny? Not a driver
Hi Justin,
The process is the same for drivers and flight nannies. Once you’ve signed up on the website, you’ll just want to bid on transportation jobs that require air travel (as opposed to ground transportation). Just keep in mind most of our business is done with drivers, though there are certainly opportunities for air transportation jobs.
Can I book an international pet transportion through this site ?
Yes you can! Our drivers only operate in the continental United States, but air nannies can do international flights.
This sounds like my dream job! Do you operate in Europe too? I live near Amsterdam.
Hi Merlijne,
CitizenShipper mainly operates in the continental United States and most of our business is ground transportation. However, it’s free to sign up as a transporter on CitizenShipper, so you can sign up and see what kind of transportation needs are in your area.
Hi, I’m guessing this is just for USA? I live in Cancun but I love love animals and flying. Thank you for your answer
I flew by myself two different times to p/u a puppy! First time no hitches but the second time, it was pain. Although they charge you to fly your pet as a carry-on, airlines are not that accommodating. The piedmont airline owned by AA Is a tiny thin airlines not built for human let alone humans and animals.
The stewardess threatened to leave me in Chicago when I live in NY if I could not get my 10 week old dachshund totally under that ridiculously low seat. I had to shove the poor puppy (which cost me $125to fly him.) That woman does not like animals.
Anyway after a horrible ride and I paid for first class tickets, I finally got home.
I always liked AA but after that, I will try another carrier!